Mobile Football Blocking Trainer

ABSTRACT

A mobile blocking trainer allows offensive football players to practice blocking a defender by moving the blocking trainer in the in the manner required to properly execute different blocks. The mobile blocking trainer includes a strike area intended to simulate an opponent&#39;s shoulder area, the target for a proper block. A fabric jersey may be added to this strike area. A wider base is mounted on wheels permitting movement in any direction. Weights are added for resistance, and the weights may be shifted to simulate different types of resistance exerted by an opponent. A flap may be attached to and detachable from the base so that proper footwork can be developed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR CO-PENDING APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of prior filed, co-pending U.S.Provisional Patent Application 61/852,637, filed Mar. 18, 2013.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is related to an athletic training device that can beused for training blockers to use proper technique as part of footballpractice.

2. Description of the Prior Art

It is common in football practice to present opposition for theoffensive lineman in the form of bags, cones, dummies, garbage cans andother devices to simulate the opposing defensive fronts, 4-3,4-4,5-2.The offensive lineman's main job is to block their assigned area or manin accordance with blocking rules.

One of the most prevalent blocks used in Inside and Outside Zone play isthe Double Team block to the linebacker. Moving your opponents isessential to this Zone Blocking scheme. Devices used today to simulatethe defense for the offense are dummies, cones, cans and bags. These aredevices that prohibit the offensive lineman from practicing propertechnique while performing the drive block and double team block.

Another common block is the base block, which is used in practicallyevery blocking scheme. Therefore it is very important to master thisblock. This technique will be used by offensive linemen when they arecovered or if his teammate beside him is covered (a defender is in frontof the blocker). The linemen will block the defender any way thedefender chooses to go, all the while keeping contact, until the play isover.

On all blocks the linemen have an aiming point. The lineman must get hishands and head gear to their aiming point and fight to keep contactthrough the block. The aiming point for the Base block is the Sternum orpoint between the defenders numbers. The inside number of the defenderclosest to the offensive lineman can also be an aiming point, as well asthe outside number of the defender. The offensive lineman will attackthese aiming points depending on where the ball is going. For doubleteam blocking, both blockers continue to work to their aiming point onthe down defender. They must fight to gain control of the down defenderwhile getting up field movement. Both offensive linemen should eye ballthe linebacker, so that they can adjust to the path of the linebacker,in order to block him.

First contact with a defender must be with the hands followed by the topof the face mask and helmet in order to maintain control and contactwith the defender. The lineman's hands will make contact with thedefender at the aiming point (sternum) with his thumbs up. To finish theblock, the lineman will arch the back while driving the feet and keepinga wide base with your feet and take short choppy power steps to maintaincontact.

It is also essential for a lineman to perfect the double team or zoneblock. A huge percentage of your blocks are the double team blockingscheme. Double team blocks will be executed when a lineman or histeammate beside him is uncovered (no defender in front of him). Thepurpose of the double team is to stop penetration, create movement ofthe first level and seal off the linebacker on the second level. As thelinemen begin to get movement on the defender, either the outside or theinside offensive lineman will gain control over the defender, allowingthe other lineman to come off the block to the second level to thelinebacker

Blocking sleds commonly used for football practice come in differentsizes and shapes. They typically are one dimensional as it is only meantto go in only one direction. There are seven man, five man, two man andone man sleds. Blocking sleds are great for drive blocks (blockingstraight ahead) but not much more. A blocking sled develops power andexplosive movement. Even though power and explosive movement are stillneeded in the game, finesse and agility are a must by linemen today.Blocking sleds cannot be implemented safely in team walk thru nor teampractices because of the size and material of the sled, but the mobileblocking trainer can. Blocking sleds normally cannot be used indoors forrainy day practices nor when linemen practice indoors in the off season,but the mobile blocking trainer can. Blocking sleds are not typicallysold to individual players to practice on their technique at their home,but the mobile blocking trainer can.

The mobile football blocking trainer, according to the presentinvention, is the only known blocking device that allows offensivelinemen the ability to practice on a wide foot base while driving themobile football blocking trainer. A wide foot base is essential for alinemen to become an effective blocker. A wide foot base allows thelinemen to stay balanced and have a stronger foundation and have theability to be mobile or agile. Today, when offensive linemen practice onwide foot base they use a six inch×ten inch board with a length of fromfive to ten feet. By practicing drive blocking with the board betweenhis feet it helps an offensive lineman keep his feet apart whenperforming the drive block in a game. Players drive other players overthe board to simulate a realistic block while keeping their feet wide.Injuries do occur because of the boards thickness and because playerssometimes make mistakes from fatigue.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The mobile football blocking trainer serves at least three purposes. Itallows linemen to practice on a variety of blocks and rushingtechniques. It provides linemen an opportunity to develop their skillsat different sites, indoors, outdoors or at their home. Finally, itallows teams, with fewer players, the opportunity to have productivepractices and cuts down on injuries because the mobile blocking trainertakes the place of a player. Fewer players are needed on the opponent'sside of the ball.

The mobile football trainer according to present invention maneuvers 360degrees allowing the offensive lineman to execute drive blocks anddouble team blocks to the linebacker, which simulates a realistic gamescenario. The present invention requires fewer players to support itbecause the mobile football blocking trainer needs no one to support it.The present invention can be used indoors or outdoors, in gym class,after school at the playing field or consumer homes. The mobile footballblocking trainer allows a player to practice drive blocks, double teamand roll to a linebacker, cut off blocks and stretch blocks alone.

The mobile football blocking trainer is made to take the space of aboutone player. This is why the mobile football blocking trainer can be usedin practice walk thru and installing periods at practice. The mobilefootball blocking trainer is relatively light and can easily betransported because of its weight and mobility. Preferably, the mobilefootball blocking trainer is not made of steel. It does not have anyparts protruding outside of its basic frame that would cause a player totrip or run in to it.

Both the blocking sled and the mobile football blocking trainer,according to this invention, work on drive blocks and hand placement.The mobile football blocking trainer also works on angle blocks, kickout blocks, down blocks, cut off blocks and double team blocks. Allthese blocks mentioned above can be executed by the mobile footballblocking trainer while the team is running their offensive playbookagainst the defense. Linemen receive continuous, quality practice ontheir blocking technique, the entire practice, regardless of the numberof players on the team. Running backs see the play develop withrealistic movements and blocks.

The mobile football blocking trainer is great for blocking and drivetraining. There is no other known blocking device that can be blockedand driven in any direction. The mobile football blocking trainer isstructured with one or more swiveled caster wheels in order to move invarious directions. The wheels may or may not be made of rubber, plasticor pneumatic but preferably, pneumatic wheels.

The mobile football blocking trainer allows an offensive lineman topractice on wide foot base while the lineman is driving the mobilefootball blocking trainer. An attachment to the mobile football blockingtrainer may or may not be rubber, plastic, carpet, rug or any othermaterial preferable rubber, that will simulate a board. It may or maynot be attached by buckles, hook and loop fasteners, screws, adhesive orstraps. The mobile football blocking trainer will allow the linemen topractice on drive blocking while working on their wide foot basetechnique at the same time without using another player. When you useother players you increase the chance of an accident. When a linemenpractice on wide foot base, using the mobile blocking trainer, theoffensive lineman will get in a three point stance (both feet and onehand on the ground) facing the front of the mobile football blockingtrainer. Next, the offensive lineman will attack the mobile footballblocking trainer with his hands placed on his aiming point and theattached rubber board or flap between his feet as the offensive linemantake choppy steps to drive the present invention. If the offensivelineman steps on the rubber board or flap, the rubber board will detach,indicating incorrect foot mechanics. Using the mobile football blockingtrainer for wide base drills should significantly reduce player injuries

The mobile football blocking trainer is ideal for performing the doubleteam block. Double team block is essential if you're going to run thezone offense, the zone offense is possibly the most popular offense infootball. The zone offense is used from professional football to youthfootball. To have a blocking device that allows you to practice ondouble team blocks is very special. The mobile football blocking traineraccording to the present invention allows two offensive linemen a chanceto read the linebacker as the linebacker approaches the two offensivelinemen in order to get to the ball carrier. The two offensive linemenare responsible for the blocking the one defensive lineman and thelinebacker that is approaching them. Both of the offensive linemen arelooking at the linebacker while they both keep contact with thedefensive linemen represented by the mobile football blocking trainer.Either the outside or the inside offensive lineman will gain controlover the defensive lineman, allowing the other offensive lineman to comeoff the block to pick up linebacker. The concept of the zone block isshown in FIGS. 4 and 6, which show the position of the two blockersrelative to the defensive lineman and mobile blocking trainer they arefacing as well as a linebacker. Sight lines are represented by dashedlines while the arrows show the manner in which the offensive linemenmove to block the defender and then to move to block the linebacker inresponse to his moves. The mobile football blocking trainer would takethe position of the defensive lineman.

The mobile football blocking trainer is also suitable for use by thedefensive linemen. The defense is a very vital entity of a footballprogram. As the saying goes, offensive wins games and defensive winschampionships. The mobile football blocking trainer can simulate anoffensive lineman for the defender. One unique thing about the mobilefootball blocking trainer is that it has a jersey fitted around theshoulders for realism. Not only does it give the defense and the offenseaiming points. It makes it realistic for the defense because defensiveplayers grab jersey to make a lot of their moves and it's all legal. Themobile football blocking trainer allows the defender to work onspecifies like hand placement and jersey grabbing all while gettingpenetration (move up field). The mobile football blocking trainer workson the defender drive rush (moving the offensive lineman straight back,or pushing the offensive lineman through one of his shoulders). Themobile football blocking trainer also allows the defender to practice onmoves (different ways to get to ball). Defenders may execute the shedblock (grab jersey and move lineman left or right), the rip (vigorouslyshoot your right arm and shoulder under the right arm of the offensivelineman as you move past him). Swim blocks (defender hit the offensivelineman right shoulder with his left hand then the defender throws hisright arm over the right shoulder of the offensive lineman as thedefender move pass him) can also be practiced. The mobile footballblocking trainer allows you to execute many realistic moves and limitsthe risk of injury to other players.

The mobile football blocking trainer is made for outdoor and indoor use.This training device is relativity light and mobile, and it is very easyto move and fit into most exterior doorways. Because of the swivelwheels and tires, that makes traveling over practice and game fieldspossible.

The mobile football blocking trainer is the only known blocking devicethat allows one player to practice on all blocks, even double teamblock, by himself.

According to one aspect of this invention, a mobile football blockingtraining device includes a base that can be moved in any directionrelative to a surface, such as a playing field, on which the mobilefootball blocking training device is supported. A strike area extendsabove the base and tilts forward relative to the base so that apracticing blocker will initially engage the strike area when using themobile football blocking training device. Weights are mounted above thebase and below the strike area so that mobile football blocking trainingdevice will provide resistance to the user attempting to execute afootball block. The weights can be shifted in the mobile footballblocking training device to simulate forces exerted in differentdirections by an opposing defender.

According to another aspect of this invention, a mobile footballblocking training device is shaped to simulate an opponent emerging froman initial stance so that a blocker using the mobile football trainingdevice can practice executing a block on the opponent. The mobilefootball blocking training device has a base mounted capable of lateralmovement in any direction when struck by the blocker. A strike areasimulating an upper sternum and shoulder area of an opponent and extendsforward relative to the base. The mobile football training device movesin any lateral direction dependent upon how the blocker engages thestrike area. A body section extends between the base and the strikearea. Weights are mounted in the mobile football training device toprovide resistance to a blocker when using the mobile football trainingdevice.

In another aspect of the invention the mobile football blocking trainingdevice simulates an opponent, such as a defensive lineman, emerging froman initial stance, such as a three point stance. Two blockers can usethe mobile football training device together to practice double teamblocking. This version of the mobile football blocking training deviceincludes a base mounted on supporting members permitting lateralmovement of the mobile football blocking training device in anydirection when struck by the two blockers. A strike area simulates anupper sternum and shoulder area of an opponent which is the area whichboth blockers should initially engage when properly executing a block.The mobile football training device will then move in any lateraldirection dependent upon how the blockers engage the strike area. Thestrike area has two side by side targets comprising two aiming pointsfor the two blockers. Weights are mounted in the mobile footballtraining device to provide resistance to the blockers when using themobile football training device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the mobile football blocking trainer ortraining device showing the base, body and striking area as they wouldbe seen by a blocker when using this device.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the mobile football blocking trainer facingleft in this view, which shows the striking area extending furtherforward than the base and body of the device.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mobile football blocking trainer showingthe compartment in which weights may be added and moved to providemobile resistance.

FIG. 4 is a view showing how two blockers can use the mobile footballblocking trainer to practice zone blocking in which the two blockersinitially block the mobile blocking trainer.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a fabric jersey covering the striking area togive blockers an aiming point when using the mobile blocking trainer.

FIG. 6 is a prior art view showing a zone blocking scheme in which twooffensive linemen initially block a single defensive lineman and onelineman subsequently disengages to block a linebacker, depending uponthe movement of the linebacker. FIG. 4 should be compared with FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The mobile football blocking trainer 1 has four sides and is made ofhigh density polyethylene and metal. The top portion the mobile blockingtrainer has a protruding angled rectangular area called the strike area,which simulates a football players shoulder pads. The strike area iswhere the offensive lineman should place his hands during the blockingdrill at football practice. Above the strike area in the center theremay be a square or oval shape, which simulates an opponent's helmet orface. The top portion of the strike area is positioned so that it willbe tangent a vertical line at the foremost extent of the mobile blockingtrainer. The bottom portion of the strike area is angled inward atapproximately seventy degrees, may be more or less or not at all. Themobile blocking trainer is angled forward at approximately seventydegrees to stimulate a lineman after he has taken his first step out ofhis three point stance. Most contact is made after a defensive linemanhas made his first step. It is very essential that the mobile footballblocking trainer simulate this angle because after an offensive linemanhas practice on the mobile football blocking trainer the offensivelinemen muscles, eyes and brain will remember the similarities of thispresent invention and a real opponent. The mobile football blockingtrainer is structured so that the chest, starting at the waist, isleaning forward. That gives the linemen using the mobile blockingtrainer a realistic look.

Slots may be built on the side of the present invention to allow forweight to be added for more resistance. The mobile football blockingtrainer allows a user to add weight to base of this invention. Theamount of weight depends on the player using the mobile blockingtrainer. Weight is added to simulate an opposing player force so theweight will vary from player to player. Inside the hollow body of mobileblocking trainer on the bottom of the base is a divider, (could be ofany height and width but preferable 3″×10″×½ inches), to stop weightfrom sliding to the front or back. The height of the bottom of theopening that houses the weight could be five inches, in order to keepthe weight from sliding out. The type of weight used, could be and notlimited to sand, rocks or iron weights, but preferably sand bags. Themobile football blocking trainer is great for blocking and drivetraining. There is no other blocking device that can be blocked anddriven in any direction. The mobile football blocking trainer isstructured with one or more swiveled caster wheels in order to move invarious directions. The wheels may or may not be made of rubber, plasticor pneumatic but preferably, pneumatic wheels are employed.

The mobile football blocking trainer is constructed with one or moreopenings to house the weight. The mobile football blocking trainer mayor may not have an opening. Weight may or may not be added to theexterior side to create an even or uneven force. Weights may or may notbe added to slots, pockets, stems, straps, or poles, but preferablyinside the hollow body of the mobile blocking trainer. The mobilefootball blocking trainer allows its user to position the added weightto the left side or the right side or in front of the mobile blockingtrainer. Overloading either side of this present invention willstimulate a defensive linemen force. Force is the direction or pressurethe defensive lineman is trying to go. When applying weight to one sideof the mobile blocking trainer more weight or force is created on thatside. When an offensive lineman drives the mobile football blockingtrainer he must keep the mobile blocking trainer or defender straight ashe pushes the mobile blocking trainer backwards. Because the weight orforce of the mobile football blocking trainer is on one side, theoffensive linemen must adjust its technique (his elbow, shoulders, arm,hips, and feet) in order to keep the mobile blocking trainer straight ashe drives it backward. If the offensive linemen fail to adjust histechnique the mobile football blocking trainer will pivot indicatingpoor technique was applied.

The elongated body beneath the strike area gradually widens until itreaches the base of the present invention simulating the footballplayer's torso. The base of the mobile football blocking trainer 1 iswider than the top portion to increase stability. The base simulates afootball player stance after he takes his first step coming out of athree point stance. The mobile football blocking trainer 1 is attachedto four swivel caster wheels for mobility. The present invention allowsthe offensive lineman to work on a variety of blocks needed to run thenow popular Zone blocking scheme or any blocking scheme.

A preferred embodiment of the mobile football blocking trainer is shownin FIG. 1 and, comprises a strike area 9, which simulates the uppertorso or shoulders of an opponent to be blocked, may or may not beconfigured to simulate shoulder pads. The strike area 9 is generallyrectangular, but may be any shape although preferably it would berectangular. The top portion 12 of the strike area would be tangent to avertical line at the front of the mobile football blocking trainer. Thebottom portion 11, of the strike area is approximately at a seventydegree angle, but may be angled more or less, inward towards the body 10of the present invention. The body 10, extending between the strike area9 and a base 13, is slightly narrower than the strike area 9, and thebase 13, body may be any shape. The construction of the illustrated base13 is rectangular, but may be square, circular, octagonal or even anirregular shape.

The preferred embodiment of the mobile football blocking trainer 1 ofthe present invention may be built in one or more parts. This mobilefootball blocking trainer 1 may or may not have a top, movable with oneor more hinges to attach to the body 10. The device may also have one ormore hydraulic lifts to simulate the lifting of a player upper torso.The present invention's height and width has numerous sizes toaccommodate the corresponding age and skill levels of organizations thatwill utilize the mobile blocking trainer. Sizes include youth football,middle school football, high school football, collegiate football andprofessional football.

The mobile football blocking trainer 1 may be constructed of linearmedium density polyethylene and metal construction may also includewood, steel, polyvinyl chloride, high or low density polyethylene etc.This present invention may be covered in pads, made from foam, polymeror any other material.

The mobile football blocking trainer may have one or more slots,opening, bars, pipes or straps but preferable an opening 31 to houseweight for more resistance. The slot or opening may be any size thatallows weight to be place in easily. The slots may be monolithic withthe body 10. A mobile football blocking trainer 1 may have attachmentson the body 10 to secure the weight resistance. The top of the mobilefootball blocking trainer 1, may have or may not have a hat top 8 anoval or any shape to simulate a players helmet. The mobile footballblocking trainer is designed with a face helmet 8 to simulate theposition of a helmet. This face helmet 8 is important because it canobstruct the lineman's view, creating a blind spot as shown in FIG. 4and FIG. 6. When offensive linemen perform the double team block, thedefender's helmet may obstruct an offensive lineman's view of theapproaching linebacker. The offensive lineman must maneuver his body orhead to see the player he is responsible for blocking, which is a skillthe offensive player must learn.

The mobile football blocking trainer may be attached to one or morelegs, ski's, rails, balls or wheels that allow the present invention toslide or roll in any direction, but preferably swivel caster wheels 15provide mobility. The swivel wheels are attached by screws and/or nuts.Swivel caster wheels vary in sizes from one inch by one and a half totwelve inches by two inches of pneumatic, rubber and/or polyethylenewheels whose content is not limited to the above material. The mobilefootball blocking trainer facilitates blocking and drive training. Thereis no other known blocking device that can be blocked and driven in anydirection. The mobile football blocking trainer is structured with oneor more swiveled caster wheels in order to move in various directions.The wheels may or may not be made of rubber, plastic or pneumatic butpreferably, pneumatic wheels.

FIG. 2 shows that with the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the strike area 9 may or may not protrude in front of thebody 10 of the present invention. Top portion 12 and bottom portion 11of the strike area 9 clearly shown with a hot top 8 attached. The sideand back of the shoulder pads are shown. The face helmet is shown with aslight angle approximately 70 degrees. Two hooks are shown to connectthe jersey for security. The back of the mobile football blockingtrainer is slanted for easy access to distribute the weight.

With this invention a flap 23 attachable to and detachable from thefront of the mobile football blocking trainer 1 allows linemen to workon their wide base technique while working on drive blocking. Thelinemen will not step on this flap if they employ the correct widefootwork. If a lineman steps on this flap 23, it will be detached fromthe mobile blocking trainer indicating a mistake. The mobile footballblocking trainer 1 is a trainer device for offensive and defensiveplayers. This invention is not intended for full force contact like ablocking sled, it is used for control movements for training purposes.The mobile football blocking trainer has aiming points for the handplacement. Proper footwork can be measure while drive blocking by theattached carpet, rug or dense plastic that is buckled, tied, screw orhook and loop to the bottom of the front base. It could be six incheslong by ten inches wide. If proper footwork is not performed (choppy,power steps, and keeping a wide base while chopping your feet) and yourfeet steps on the carpet, it will detach from the mobile footballblocking trainer 1. That's your indicator that your footwork isincorrect. The mobile football blocking trainer 1 will travel as fast asthe operator is pushing it. Most blocks duration is three to five yards.Stops can be provided on the front and side to help the operator stopthe mobile football blocking trainer 1 if needed. The mobile footballblocking trainer 1 is constructed with shoulders and chest for defensivelinemen hand placement. The mobile football blocking trainer isconstructed for offensive lineman to place his hands on the chest andouter chest for proper hand placement and control. The height and lengthmay be higher or shorter depend on the level of competition. When anoffensive lineman drives the mobile football blocking trainer he mustkeep the mobile football blocking trainer or defender straight as hepushes the mobile football blocking trainer backwards. Because theweight or force of the mobile football blocking trainer is on one side,the offensive linemen must adjust its technique (his elbow, shoulders,arm, hips, and feet) in order to keep the mobile blocking trainerstraight as he drives it backward. If the offensive linemen fails toadjust his technique, then the mobile football blocking trainer 1 willpivot indicating poor technique was applied.

FIG. 3 shows the top view of the present invention comprised of the slot31 that houses added weight and may or may not have weep holes thatdrain any water that might accumulate. The present invention shows thestrike area 9 may or may not slightly protrude past the body 10. Thisview also shows one or more hooks to attach the jersey. The presentinvention may have no hooks.

The mobile football blocking trainer 1 is constructed with one or moreopenings to house the weight. The mobile blocking trainer may or may nothave an opening. Weight may or may not be added to the exterior side tocreate an even or uneven force. Weights may or may not be added toslots, pockets, stems, straps, or poles, but preferably inside thepresent invention hollow body. The mobile football blocking trainer 1allows you to position the weight you add, to the left side or the rightside or in front of the mobile blocking trainer. Overloading either sideof this present invention will stimulate a defensive linemen force.Force is the direction or pressure the defensive lineman is trying togo. When applying weight to one side of the mobile football blockingtrainer you create more weight or force on that side

FIG. 4 illustrates one of possible method for the mobile footballblocking trainer to be used. This figure shows the use of the mobileblocking trainer 1 for practicing a common block called the double-teamblock. FIG. 6 shows demonstrates an example of the position and movementof two offensive linemen in response to the position and movement of adefensive lineman and linebacker in a zone blocking scheme. FIG. 4 showsthe use of the mobile blocking trainer 1 to replace a defensive linemanduring practice. This double team is probably used in all offensiveblocking schemes, especially in the currently popular offense employingthe inside and outside Zone. As shown in FIG. 6, while executing thedouble team the offensive lineman 40 and next to him his teammate 41 areresponsible for blocking two defenders, the defensive lineman 47(replaced in FIG. 4 by the mobile blocking trainer 1) and linebacker 48.Both lineman 40, 41 must get up field movement or lateral movement onthe defensive lineman 47 while eyes are engaged on the linebacker 48. Asthe linebacker 48 reads the play he will flow to the play side (wherethe ball heading). One of the linemen 40, 41 will come off of thedefensive lineman 47 and block the linebacker 48. The linemen 40, 41that rolls off the defensive lineman 47 is determined by what path thelinebacker 48 takes. It the linebacker 48 goes over the top of thedefensive lineman 47 the lineman 40 will roll off to the left and blockthe linebacker 48. The other lineman 41 will continue blocking thedefensive lineman 47. If the linebacker 48 chooses to attack underneaththe defensive lineman 47 then lineman 41 will roll off the right sideand block the linebacker 48 while the other lineman 40 continue to blockthe defensive lineman 49. Since the mobile blocking trainer 1 is movableit can replace the defensive lineman 49 during practice, and theoffensive lineman 40, 41 can practice the moves necessary to executetheir blocks while also reacting to the movement of the linebacker 48,which could be simulated by a coach or another player or by other means.The mobility of the mobile blocking trainer 1 allows it to be used toreplace the defensive lineman so that the offensive blockers 40, 41 canrealistically practice this blocking technique. This mobility will allowblockers to realistically practice other blocking schemes and movements.

FIG. 5 shows the front view of the present invention comprised of thejersey 50 may or may not be made nylon, cotton rayon or any othermaterial that you can grab. The jersey 50 may or may not be attached bymonolithic hooks, blocks, rings, buttons, buckles, hook and loopfasteners, or grooves to hold the jersey 50 on the present inventionpreferable monolithic hooks 51. The mobile football blocking trainer 1is the only known blocking device that allows the defensive linemen theability to work on jersey grabbing. Defensive linemen grab the offensivelinemen jersey to gain advantage of the lineman. Defensive lineman grabsthe opponent's jersey to pull, turn, move and control the offensivelineman, all while reading where the football is heading.

In an alternative embodiment, the rearward facing compartments for theweights can be replaced by slots on the front, back and sides of themobile blocking trainer so that standard weight or plates used fornormal weight training can be inserted into and removable from theslots.

In another embodiment, weights may be hooked to the mobile blockingtrainer and moved from side to side to vary resistance. Additionalweights can be added to the same hook configuration.

While a preferred embodiment has been illustrated and described, it willbe understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by suchdisclosure, rather, it is intended to cover all modification inalternate construction falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims and declarations. Forexample, the mobile blocking trainer may be constructed of any desiredshape, even with arms attached, with any desired dimensions and of anydesired material.

I claim:
 1. A mobile football blocking training device comprising: abase movable in any direction relative to a surface on which the mobilefootball blocking training device is supported; a strike area locatedabove the base and extending forward relative to the base so that a userwill initially engage the strike area when using the mobile footballblocking training device; and weights mountable above the base and belowthe strike area so that mobile football blocking training device willprovide resistance to the user attempting to execute a football block,the weights being shiftable in the mobile football blocking trainingdevice to simulate forces exerted in different directions by an opposingdefender.
 2. The mobile football blocking training device of claim 1wherein the strike area is located a height to simulate an upper sternumand shoulder area of the defender being blocked.
 3. The mobile footballblocking training device of claim 2 wherein a fabric material on thestrike area provide a gripping surface which the blocker can grasp tosimulate grasping a jersey worn by the defender.
 4. The mobile footballblocking training device of claim 1 wherein a top portion, simulating adefender's head, extends above the strike area.
 5. The mobile footballblocking training device of claim 1 wherein the base is mounted onsupporting members that offer equal resistance to movement in anyhorizontal direction.
 6. The mobile football blocking training device ofclaim 5 wherein the supporting members comprise wheels.
 7. The mobilefootball blocking training device of claim 5 wherein the supportingmembers comprise casters.
 8. The mobile football blocking trainingdevice of claim 1 wherein the strike area tilts forward relative to abody extending between the strike area and the base.
 9. The mobilefootball blocking training device of claim 8 wherein a slotted areaextending inwardly from a rear surface of the body provide space forshifting weight from side to side to provide variable lateral resistanceto a blocker using the mobile football blocking training device.
 10. Themobile football blocking training device of claim 1 wherein the base iswider than the strike area to provide stability to the mobile footballblocking training device.
 11. A mobile football blocking training deviceshaped to simulate an opponent emerging from an initial stance so that ablocker using the mobile football training device can practice executinga block on the opponent, the mobile football blocking training devicecomprising: a base mounted on supporting members permitting lateralmovement of the mobile football blocking training device in anydirection when struck by the blocker; a strike area simulating an uppersternum and shoulder area of an opponent and extending forward relativeto the base, the mobile football training device moving in any lateraldirection dependent upon how the blocker engages the strike area; a bodysection extending between the base and the strike area; and weightsmountable in the mobile football training device to provide resistanceto a blocker when using the mobile football training device.
 12. Themobile football blocking training device of claim 11 wherein the strikearea is wide enough to be engaged by two blockers using the mobilefootball blocking training device, the mobile football blocking trainingdevice moving in a lateral direction dependent upon the difference inforce applied by each of the two blockers.
 13. The mobile footballblocking training device wherein the 11 wherein lateral movement of themobile football blocking training device allows the blocker to practicecontinued movement required for proper execution of a block.
 14. Themobile football training device of claim 11 wherein the weights areshiftable to provide different resistance to lateral movement indifferent directions.
 15. The mobile football training device of claim11 wherein the supporting members comprise casters, which provide nodifferential resistance to movement in any lateral direction.
 16. Amobile football blocking training device shaped to simulate an opponentemerging from an initial stance so that two blockers using the mobilefootball training device together can practice double team blocking ofthe opponent, the mobile football blocking training device comprising: abase mounted on supporting members permitting lateral movement of themobile football blocking training device in any direction when struck bythe blockers; a strike area simulating an upper sternum and shoulderarea of an opponent and extending forward relative to the base, themobile football training device moving in any lateral directiondependent upon how the blockers engage the strike area, the strike areaincluding two side by side targets comprising two aiming points for thetwo blockers; and weights mountable in the mobile football trainingdevice to provide resistance to the blockers when using the mobilefootball training device.
 17. The mobile football blocking trainingdevice of claim 16 wherein the aiming points comprise numbers on afabric member extending over the strike area to simulate a footballjersey so that the two blocker can each use one of the numbers as anaiming point.
 18. The mobile football blocking training device of claim16 including a flap, attachable to and detachable from the mobileblocking trainer at a front edge so that the flap will be detached whena blocker steps on the flap, so that the blocker can practice widemovement of his feet.
 19. The mobile football blocking training deviceof claim 16 wherein the weights can be shifted in a manner unknown tothe blockers so that the simulated resistance of the opponent will notbe known to the blockers before executing a training block.
 20. Themobile football blocking training device of claim 16 wherein theblockers move the mobile football blocking training device in asimulated zone blocking scheme.